Volunteering at the election polls is something done by highly politically active community members, bored senior citizens, maybe middle-aged citizens looking for the 100+ dollar stipend dough, and… high school students?

Last June, students from UC High were given the opportunity to volunteer at an election poll and give the stipend money to their class fund instead of pocketing it. The contract specifically included the hours the day would entail: a pre-5 a.m. wakeup, and working until later than 10 p.m., with only three breaks given before 5 p.m. How the former Junior Class made more than 5000 dollars is bewildering.

Each student was assigned a location and a specific duty, either touch-screen inspector or clerk. “Originally I thought being a touch-screen inspector was cool,” said Senior Adrian Nesta. “But I had to go to Del Mar to take a class and I had to stay after to learn how to use the machine. It was a pain, because it was a 12-step process, and everything required immense detail,” he added.

The touch-screen was set up solely for the handicapped and disabled, so very few people actually used them. “I got to UCSD at 5 a.m. and I had to place the flag and voters’ rights out and set up the touch-screen before the polls opened. It took me two hours and not a single person voted on the touch-screen the entire day,” said Nesta. Senior Chris Gerdom came across the same problem, “No one used the touch-screen, so it was useless to set up.”

In addition to the unnecessary touch-screen, students encountered many other interesting parts of their day. “I had to go 17 hours with a completely socially inept precinct   inspector,” said Nesta. Senior Karen Lee also encountered similar challenges. “There was one voter who was hard of hearing and visually impaired, so a worker had to list every candidate out loud so she could pick each one,” Lee said. Gerdom said, “I worked with a girl from La Jolla High School and she was obsessed with dogs. So whenever a dog went by she ran outside to pet it.”

After the long day, the poll workers had to close the voting places and return their supplies. “At 9 p.m. I was exhausted and ready to go home, but no, then I had to drive to return the touch-screen and I didn’t get home until 10 p.m.,” said Nesta. “The drop-off place was very hectic; it was a semi-trailer behind Big Lots in Clairemont Square,” said Gerdom.

This eventful day was not the only chance for UC High students to be subjected to the chaos of an election day. Students will have another opportunity to have many more experiences just like these in the November 6 election. Hopefully they won’t be too intimidated. Junior Chandler Nolan said, “I’m excited to be a part of something as big as a presidential election and make money for our class.” Maybe with her positive attitude she will have a better experience than most did in June.

At least the day helped the community! “After 17 hours, only 35 people voted,” said Nesta. Well, at least those 35 citizens fulfilled their civic duty.